Bulalo Steak

Bulalo Steak Recipe - Authentic Filipino Dish from Southeast Asia

Region / culture: Philippines, Southeast Asia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Bulalo Steak is a delicious and hearty Filipino dish that combines the flavors of tender beef shanks with a rich and savory sauce. This dish is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings, as it is sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and comforting taste.

History

Bulalo Steak is a modern twist on the traditional Filipino dish called Bulalo, which is a beef shank and marrow bone soup. The addition of a flavorful sauce and mushrooms transforms the dish into a steak-like meal that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

1 onion, quartered (red, white, or yellow only)
2 tbsp peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 packs Monterey beef shanks, bulalo cut, around 2" thick or (1.75 lb (794 g) beef rib-eye fillet, boneless rib-eye steak, or beef Denver steak)
0.25 cup unsalted butter
0.25 cup flour
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce, dark or light only
2 cup beef stock (from boiling shanks)
0.5 cup fresh milk, store-bought only
2 tsp iodized fine salt
2 tsp ground black pepper, to taste
0.5 cup sliced button mushrooms or (12 fresh mushrooms)
0.5 tbsp toasted garlic, for garnishing

How to prepare

In a large pot, combine enough water to cover the meat, onion, peppercorns, bay leaf, and beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until tender (about 2.5 - 3 hours). Set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter, then add the flour and mix to form a paste.
Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and 2 cups of beef stock. Mix well until lumps have dissolved.
Add milk, then season with salt and pepper.
Add mushrooms and simmer. Set aside.
Heat sizzling plates. Arrange steaks on the sizzling plate and pour the prepared sauce.
Top with fried garlic. Serve hot and plain over white rice or with other main dishes.

Variations

Add vegetables such as carrots and potatoes to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different twist on the dish.

Notes

Instead of or in addition to then canned mushrooms, just soak the real mushrooms in water in a large bowl before mixing and cooking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the beef shanks until they are tender to ensure that they are easy to eat and full of flavor.

- Toasting the garlic before garnishing adds a delicious nutty flavor to the dish.

- Use a sizzling plate to serve the Bulalo Steak for a fun and impressive presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Bulalo Steak hot over white rice or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the beef shanks until tender to ensure they are easy to eat.

- Use a sizzling plate to serve the dish for a fun and impressive presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different variation of the dish.

- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- The beef shanks can be simmered ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Bulalo Steak on a sizzling plate for a fun and impressive presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or additional toasted garlic for added flavor and visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Bulalo Steak with a side of steamed rice and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

- Pair with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the Bulalo Steak in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Calcium: 10% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains: Milk, Soy

Summary

Bulalo Steak is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and iron. It is a satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

Summary

Bulalo Steak is a delicious and hearty Filipino dish that is sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and comforting taste. Serve it hot over white rice or with a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Bulalo Steak. It was like nothing I had ever seen before - a fusion of Filipino and Western cuisine that seemed almost too good to be true. I couldn't wait to try it out and see if it lived up to the hype.

I first learned about the recipe from a friend who had recently traveled to the Philippines. She raved about the dish, describing it as a delicious and hearty meal that would warm you up from the inside out. She even brought back some ingredients for me to try it out myself.

As I read through the recipe, I realized that it was a combination of traditional Filipino bulalo soup and a classic steak recipe. The thought of tender beef simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and spices sounded absolutely mouth-watering. I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients - beef shanks, onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and spices. I began by searing the beef shanks in a hot pan until they were browned on all sides. The sizzling sound and the aroma of the meat cooking filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, I added in the onions and garlic, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant flavors. The smell of the onions caramelizing in the pan mixed with the rich scent of the beef was intoxicating. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

I added in the potatoes and carrots, letting them cook until they were tender. Then, I poured in the broth, a mixture of beef stock and soy sauce, along with a variety of spices - bay leaves, peppercorns, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. The broth simmered and bubbled, the flavors melding together to create a delicious aroma that filled the entire house.

After letting the dish cook for a few hours, I finally took a taste. The beef was incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone. The vegetables were perfectly cooked, soaking up all the flavors of the broth. The broth itself was rich and savory, with just the right amount of saltiness and umami flavor.

I knew I had created something special. The Bulalo Steak was a perfect blend of Filipino and Western flavors, combining the best of both worlds into one delicious dish. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends, to see their faces light up with joy as they tasted this unique and flavorful meal.

From that day on, Bulalo Steak became a regular dish in my repertoire. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or just whenever I was craving something hearty and comforting. Each time I cooked it, I would remember that first sense of wonder I felt when I discovered the recipe, and how it had opened up a whole new world of culinary possibilities for me.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will find the same joy and excitement in cooking and sharing this dish with your loved ones. May it bring you as much happiness and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years. And remember, the best recipes are not just about the ingredients, but the memories and experiences that go into creating them. Happy cooking!